Police have made a number of arrests following a busy start to the week tackling rural crime across the Yorkshire Dales.
Officers were first alerted at around 3am on Monday after rural watch volunteers reported seeing quad bikes being driven along country roads, accompanied by other vehicles.
Police say such sightings often indicate stolen vehicles, prompting an immediate response from local teams and specialist officers, who worked alongside colleagues in County Durham.
Shortly afterwards, Durham officers pursued an Audi Q5 in the Staindrop area, which was later found abandoned. Checks confirmed the vehicle had been stolen from an address in Middleham while the owner was asleep.
Further incidents saw officers in County Durham pursue a quad bike in the Shildon area. The rider attempted to flee on foot but was detained and arrested.
Subsequent enquiries revealed that two quad bikes had also been stolen from Hawes on the same night. Officers believe the suspects first stole the Audi before targeting the quad bikes and heading back towards Durham.
Police confirmed one man remains in custody and that all three stolen vehicles – the Audi and two quad bikes – have been recovered. Investigations are ongoing to identify further suspects.
In a separate incident, officers responded to reports of three men entering a farm building in Marrick and removing items, while stacking others ready for collection. A farmer who challenged the suspects was threatened, with attempts reportedly made to steal his dog and quad bike.
Police quickly stopped a silver Transit van linked to the incident and arrested all three occupants. They have since been bailed with conditions preventing them from entering North Yorkshire.
Meanwhile, officers have also arrested a man from the Crook area in connection with the theft of a Toyota Hilux from Hawes last week. The vehicle has been recovered and the suspect remains in custody.
North Yorkshire Police say enquiries are continuing as they work to support victims and bring those responsible to justice.
